On the battlefield in Herat, Afghanistan, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Lee, Private 1st Class Ben Bradley and two other soldiers with the Red Platoon, Bulldog troop found themselves in peril. A rocket propelled grenade penetrated their fighting position putting them in direct line of deadly sharp shrapnel. That’s when Valdo, a 7 year old combat dog went to work. He used his large German Shepherd frame to shield the soldiers and take on the brunt of the shrapnel. Valdo was injured but his tough canine skin and thick fur saved his life. A human, even in uniform, might not have been as lucky. Pfc. Bradley was clear afterwards, “If Valdo wasn’t here, I’m pretty sure I’d be dead right now.”

Valdo is recovering but will not be allowed back into active duty. No worries though, Bradley has plans to adopt him.